Gator ready to roll
Vandyke and Maloney rapt with star’s work
WIN, lose or dead-heat in the CS Hayes Stakes at Flemington tomorrow, trainer David Vandyke is confident Alligator Blood’s burgeoning maturity will stand the cult figure in good stead as he chases autumn Group 1 glory.
Comparing the gelding to a prankish child, Vandyke says the Queensland three-yearold’s quirks set him apart.
“He’s a very intelligent horse, sometimes too intelligent,” Vandyke said. “He’s full of energy, he’s the first horse with his head over the door in the morning.
“He’s jumping and playing and we always know when he’s really well.
“The older he’s getting, the more he’s realising there is a time for him to expend his energy and that’s in his competitions.”
With eight wins and a second from nine outings, Alligator Blood is a natural competitor, says Vandyke.
“The psychological factor is a big part of his make-up and why he performs so well,” the Sunshine Coast-based trainer said.
Ladbrokes’ $2.10 favourite ahead of Kiwi star Catalyst ($2.70) and South Australian gun Dalasan ($5.50), Alligator Blood has not raced since his dominant victory in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas at the Gold Coast on January 11.
Vandyke said he was delighted with the way the horse had settled in.
“I think the fact he came down in the spring has made a big difference because he’s used to travelling now,” he said.
“His work’s been good, Ryan Maloney rode him in his gallop Tuesday and that was an excellent piece of work and this morning Ryan said ‘I can’t believe how well he feels.’ That’s a good enough wrap for me.”
Tomorrow’s assignment is a lead-in to the Group 1 Australian Guineas on February 29.